We attempted to place Coyne's (1976) interpersonal theory of depression in grave danger of refutation among a highly specialized psychiatric sample (76 criminal defendants referred for psychiatric evaluation). We assessed whether mood-disordered subjects scored lower on an index
of social contact than nondepressed subjects. Consistent with interpersonal theory, depressed subjects obtained lower scores on the social contact measure than nondepressed subjects — to our knowledge, the first results to support the diagnostic specificity component of Coyne's
theory among a clinical sample. Number of co-morbid diagnoses was not significantly related to social contact. It appears that Coyne's theory possesses explanatory power, even when subjected to a relatively severe empirical test.
Reducing crime and improving efficiency of our criminal justice system should be facilitated by identifying how to treat and manage mental health patients who are prone to committing criminal acts more effectively. A total of 142 competency evaluations were reviewed from cases evaluated by the Galveston County Forensic Psychiatrist from 1984 to 1990. Examination of data from these defendants allowed us to address the psychiatric needs of these defendants in terms of contact with the mental health system, particularly those who had more than one criminal justice system contact. The latter defendants lacked social support systems and consistent mental health system follow-up to provide stabilization of their condition. It was felt that this was a factor in their more frequent contact with the criminal justice system.
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